BUSINESS car drivers travelling abroad this summer won won’t only need a sun protector. They’ll also need a VE 103 to protect them from the heat of the law.
Business drivers of leased or rented vehicles travelling in mainland Europe may have their vehicle impounded if they are not carrying a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE 103).
All drivers travelling in mainland Europe are required to carry the vehicle registration document with them at all times.
In the case of rented or leased vehicles, a substitute document is permissible: this is a Vehicle on Hire Certificate: the VE 103.
Substitutes – for example, a letter of authority, or a photocopy of the registration document – will not be accepted by local police or customs.
Vehicles can be kept for several days by the police until the original registration document is sent out from the UK.
A VE103 can be obtained from the leasing company from whom you lease your vehicle. For more on this read our advice piece The law and travelling abroad.
What you need to know about the VE 103
- Carry the VE 103 in all rented or leased cars driven abroad
- The VE 103 is the only legal alternative to the vehicle registration
- The VE 103 is valid for up to 12 months
- If you own the car, then take the registration document